army and nih to study the effects of traumatic brain injuries. >> we're going to be funding $30 million to fund new research that will hopefully help and accelerate the understanding of brain injuries. >> reporter: but for some players the research comes too late. steve gleason, formerly of the saints, has als, as does ex-nfler kevin turner. once forces on the field, they're struggling to make it through the simple tasks of daily living. this doctor wants to stop the disease. >> they have coaches that are least experienced, they almost never have any medical personnel on the sideline. >> reporter: as kids across america suit up to play like their nfl heros, parents have to consider the implications of this recent study. the price of playing today could man a tragic struggle tomorrow. for "today," dr. nancy snyderman, nbc news, new york. >> mike is a radio host and columnist for the new york daily news. good to see you. this is a tough study. football players almost four times more likely to die than the general public from als or alzheimer's. what's the impact on the sport sp. >> it's p